Every musician who is eligible is expected to be in an ensemble or choir.
Our aim is a joined up musical pathway for all.
Playing and performing with others is an essential part of being a musician.
That is who we are.
Secondary Teaching & Rock School Dates
Autumn Term:Â
Week beginning Monday 8th September 2025 to Monday 15th December 2025
Spring Term:Â
Week beginning Monday 5th January 2026 to week beginning Monday 23rd March 2026
Summer Term:Â
Week beginning Monday 13th April 2026 to week beginning Monday 13th July 2026
Rock School Dates from September 2024 to June 2025.
Autumn Term:
Wednesday 17th September to the Wednesday 26th November 2025
Gig TBC
Spring Term:
Wednesday 14th January 2026 to the Wednesday 25th March 2026
Gig TBC
Summer Term:
Wednesday 22nd April 2026 to the Wednesday 1st July 2026
Gig TBC
Larch Teaching & Ensemble Weeks
Primary Teaching Weeks 2025-2026
Autumn Term:
Week beginning Monday 15th September to week beginning Monday 8th DecemberÂ
(12 weeks, 11 lessons. Year 2 STP start week beginning Monday 22nd September)
Spring Term:Â
Week beginning Monday 5th January 2026 to week beginning Monday 23rd March 2026
(11 weeks, 10 lessons)Â
Summer Term:Â
Week beginning Monday 13th April 2026 to week beginning Monday 6th July 2026
(12 weeks, 9 lessons or make-up lessons)
Larch String Orchestra, Larch Wind & Brass & Simon Balle and Mill Mead Choir Weeks 2024-2025:
Autumn Term:
Week beginning Monday 15th September 2025 to week beginning Monday 8th December (week before Carol Concert)
- Larch Celebration of Music: Wednesday 12th November, 6pm
- Carol Services - Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th December
Spring Term:
Week beginning Monday 12th January 2026 to week beginning Monday 23rd March 2026 (Concert is this week)
- Larch Celebration of Music: Wednesday 18th March, 6pm
Summer Term:
Week beginning Monday 21st April 2026 to week beginning Monday 6th July 2026 (Concert this week)
- Saffron Hall: Sunday 12th July, 5pm
Progression between ensembles is by ability, so that students are confident and can feel part of the group. Regular practice and commitment will ensure progression. Our ensembles are all year round and are not enrichment opportunities to 'come and go'. High expectations lead to fantastic performances in concerts.
Secondary Ensembles
Monday:
Brass Ensemble - 1.15 - 2.05pm
Grade 1/2 onwards
Junior Wind Band - 3.15 - 4pm
Wind and Brass players from Year 6, approx Grade 1 standards to Grade 3 / 4.
Concert Band - 4 - 5pm
Grade 3 approx onwards
Tuesday:
Simon Balle Chorus - 1.25 - 2.10pm
Open to Years 7-11, all welcome
Saxidentals - 3.15 - 3.45pm
Grade 3/4 onwards
Senior Strings - 4 - 4.30pm (Larch Hall)
Grade 1/2 onwards, from Year 6
Wednesday:
Vox - 3.15 - 4pm
Years 10 - 13 - audition
Rock School - Sessions from 3.15 - 6pm
Grade 1 onwards
Thursday:
Big Band - 3.15 - 5pm
Grade 4/5 onwards, in addition to other ensembles
Friday:
Guitar Platform - 3.15 - 3.45Â
Grade 1 onwards.
Guitar Ensemble - 3.45 - 4.15
Invitation only
Primary Ensembles
Tuesday:
Larch Strings - 3.25 - 4pm
String players when invited.
Wednesday:
Larch Wind & Brass - 3.25 - 4pm
Wind and Brass players when invited.
Thursday:
Year 2 & 3 Choir - 3.30 - 4pm (Larch Music Room)
Year 4, 5 & 6 - 3.30 - 4pm (Secondary Music Centre)
Mill Mead Choir - 3.20 - 4pm.
